Traffic Section

The Traffic Section provides many varied services to the line operations of the LPD and the community in general.  The Traffic Section coordinates and provides staff supervision in the investigations of serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents as well as follow-ups to hit and run cases. 

The selective enforcement program targets accident-causing violations at high accident locations.  These areas are identified through the compilation of information from reported accidents in databases and supplemented with traffic monitoring devices.  Additionally, officers are assigned based on community input to alleviate traffic congestion and restrict traffic through residential neighborhoods where appropriate. 

The Traffic Section supervises the enforcement of parking regulations, and the fleet and paint shops.  This section provides management of the tow contract, the inspection and licensing of taxi/livery vehicles, the purchase and repair of department vehicles and the installation and maintenance of traffic control signs and lines throughout Lowell.

In 2000:

FAQ

Can I appeal a traffic citation at the police station?

Answer:  No, on the back of the citation you received, it explains in detail how you can handle the citation. You have the right to request a hearing, but you only have 20 days to submit it to the RMV. After that time you will be responsible for the full ticket amount.

If I'm involved in a motor vehicle collision what do I need to do?

Answer:  If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident where someone is injured, or if there is over $1000 in damage to a vehicle or property, you must submit an accident report to the Registry of Motor Vehicles within five days. You must also submit a copy of the accident form to the Lowell Police Department, and one for your insurance company.

You can now download the Massachusetts Operators Accident Report.  This file is in .pdf format (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required).  Please open the form by clicking the link below and complete the form on screen.  You may then print the form and submit it to the proper agencies. Adobe Acrobat Software is available at no cost from Adobe  .  Click here to download the accident form.

Can I send Email to the Police Department?

Answer:  Yes. We now have email capabilities.  Please understand that email is not checked on any defined schedule, and there may be a delay in processing a response.  Please be patient with us.

Do not use email to report an emergency or a crime in progress. 

MASSACHUSETTS CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY LAW
Effective: April 9, 1997 Infants and small children must ride in car seats until:

They are at least 5 years old and weigh over 40 pounds. The types of car seats permitted include federally approved infant, toddler, convertible and booster seats. Children who weigh more than 40 pounds but are under 5 years old must ride in a booster seat. Children who are 5 years of age or older, and also weigh more than 40 pounds, must wear a seat belt that is properly adjusted. MGH Ch. 90 Sec 7AA; Ch. 90, Sec 13A Federally approved booster seats are permitted and recommended for children who weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. Children using the vehicle safety belt only should not place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back.

This law applies to children riding in:
All types of privately owned vehicles. Vehicles for hire, including taxi cabs. It is the responsibility of the child's parent or caregiver to provide the car seat for use in a taxi cab. The driver of a taxi will not be fined if he/she does not provide a car seat.

The law does not apply to:
Children riding in school buses. Children riding in a vehicle made before July 1, 1966 that does not have safety belts. Children physically unable to use either a conventional car seat or a child restraint specifically designed for children with special needs. Inability to use a child restraint of either type must be certified in writing by a physician.

The Safest Place For Children Is In The Back Seat

Fine: The driver will be fined $25.00 for each unrestrained child.

Note: This is a primary enforcement law.  A police officer may stop your car if one or more children are riding unrestrained.  No other reason is needed.

For more information call the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau at (617) 727-5073, or the Injury Prevention and Control Program, Ma. Dept. Of Public Health Toll Free 1-800- 227SAFE.